Thiruparaithurai is a large and beautiful temple located on the south bank of the Cauvery. A temple pond is outside the 7 tiered Rajagopuram on the left and on the right is a school. The Rajagopuram is followed by a smaller 5 tiered Gopuram leading into the inner Prakaram. Nandi, Kodimaram and Balipeedam are in a small Mantapam called Nandi Mantapam with carvings of the 3 Saivite Saints on its pillars. The flowering plants, trees, and palms here provide a glorious atmosphere and you can easily forget the world while inside. There are some beautifully carved pillars resting on bases of Lion carvings. The pillars in the goddess shrine have depictions of Shiva in Oorthathandavam posture and Goddess Kali. The area was a forest of Paraai trees in the past and hence the names of the temple and the lord.

Holy water (Theertham) – Cauvery River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Paraai (Streblus asper)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th century CE) have sung hymns for the lord here at Thiruparaithurai. Parantaka Chola I (CE 907–955) and in later times Naattukottai Chettiyars have contributed to the development of Thiruparaithurai temple. Stone inscriptions refer to this temple as ‘Uthama Cheevichaturvedimangalathu Thiruparaithurai’ and the lord as ‘Paraaithurai Mahadevar’ and ‘Paraaithurai Parameswaran’.

Legend

The lord appeared here at Thiruparaithurai as Pitchadanar to subdue the sages of Tharukavanam and also bless them. Indra, Kubera, and the Saptharishis have worshiped here at Thiruparaithurai.

Directions

Thiruparaithurai is 15 kilometers west of Thiruchirapalli on the Karur, Kulithalai road.